Many questions in life can cause an increased heartbeat: “Shall we meet on Friday?” (When you definitely don’t want to); “What’s wrong with your face?” (When – as far as you’re aware – nothing!); and “Which school are you sending your child to?” (When you literally have no idea).
Making parental decisions about your child’s education is stressful. For years, you’ve tended to this small person whom you know inside out, and now you’re expected to pack them off and trust them with others who don’t know what makes them unique and special.
There’s no doubt that choosing the right school for your child is critical; it shapes their educational journey, social development, and overall wellbeing. As Lisa Olinski, Director of Marketing & Admissions at Australian International School (ais.com.sg), explains, “School is where children spend the majority of their time outside of home, so the environment must foster not only academic growth, but also personal development.”
Indeed, while the curriculum available, educational standards, and reputation play a large part in your choice, a school that aligns with your child’s learning style and interests is equally important. Lisa emphasises, “The right school should nurture values that mirror those of your family, ensuring your child feels supported and understood in every aspect of their life.” For working parents, she adds, “Daily peace of mind that your child is happy, healthy and safe is priceless.”
For expats, the process of selecting a school overseas differs significantly from choosing one back home. “On your home turf, you might be limited by neighbourhoods with just a few school options,” says Lisa. “Schools might be well-known or recommendations from local networks are readily available, but expats may need to navigate new education systems and the cultural dynamics of their adopted country. The school’s community can also become a vital support network for both parents and children, making the adjustment to life in a strange land feel much smoother.”
Unlike back home, in Singapore you have a lot of school options available in a small radius. This abundance can add complexity, especially if the Lion City is not somewhere you’re considering making your long-term home.
“For this reason, it’s important to consider the cultural transition and whether the school offers a supportive environment for integrating children from diverse backgrounds,” Lisa explains. “Familiarity with the curriculum is vital too, particularly if a return to your native country is on the horizon.”
“Daily peace of mind that your child is happy, healthy and safe is priceless”
A positive outlook
Of course, making an incorrect choice of school for your child is possible, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of the world. If your final pick turns out not to be suitable, your child might encounter issues such as finding it harder to engage, or feel fully comfortable in general. As a parent, it’s likely that you’ll also experience anxiety, as we all want the best for our kids.
“Every child is different, and if the school’s values or approach don’t quite match their needs, they might experience a dip in enthusiasm or confidence,” warns Lisa, who adds that challenges are often manageable with support, and that it’s essential for families to keep a positive outlook. “Every transition is a learning opportunity that can often lead to better outcomes.”
Typically, after one to two terms, you should be able to gauge if the school is the right fit. During this time, observe your child’s happiness, academic progress, and social interactions. “Regular catch-ups with teachers can provide insights into how your child is coping. If after a term or two they are still unsettled or not progressing, it might be worth reassessing the situation,” Lisa says.
If you truly believe you’ve made the wrong choice and it’s not just that awkward new transition phase, start gathering details about your concerns from both your child and their teachers. “Open communication is crucial to understanding where the problems lie. You can also consult with the Head of School or counsellors to suss out your child’s needs,” Lisa suggests. “It can be hard to listen with an open mind, as anything related to our children activates the heart, however, weighing up matters before settling elsewhere can help drive your decision.”
If after trying to resolve the problems you feel no improvement, consider looking into other schools. Trust between parents and the school is essential for both to collaborate effectively, creating an environment that fosters a contented life, propelling children towards a fulfilling and successful future.
School Selection Checklist
• The Academic Results
AIS consistently focuses on academic excellence, with students achieving strong results in both the Higher School Certificate (HSC) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes.
• The Fit
AIS places a strong emphasis on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment that values respect, opportunity, and achievement. The school’s culture aligns with families who prioritise holistic education, where academic achievement is balanced with character development and community engagement. It also fosters global citizenship, encouraging students to respect and appreciate different cultures.
• The Size
Does your child revel in being the centre of attention, or do they prefer to be a small fish in a big pond? While AIS is a large school with 2,500 students, it’s divided into three sub-schools (Early Years, Elementary, and Secondary), creating smaller communities within the larger structure. This allows for a more personalised approach to education while offering the benefits of a larger institution, such as extensive facilities and a broad range of academic and extracurricular options.
• The Communication
Maintaining clear and open communication between the school and families is key at AIS. Regular updates are provided through the portal, newsletters, and direct emails. There are parent-teacher conferences, and there’s also an active Parent Association.
• The Facilities
State-of-the-art facilities support a wide range of academic and co-curricular activities. The AIS campus includes specialised spaces such as science laboratories, art studios, music rooms, and classrooms. There are also extensive sports facilities, including swimming pools, gymnasiums, and outdoor fields.
• The Management
AIS takes a positive and proactive approach to behaviour management, focusing on promoting respect, responsibility, and resilience among students. The school has clear behaviour expectations, reinforced through its pastoral care programmes. Emotional wellbeing is also an important factor, offering students support through counsellors and teachers who work closely with them.
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Making parental decisions about your child’s education is stressful. For years, you’ve tended to this small person whom you know inside out, and now you’re expected to pack them off and trust them with others who don’t know what makes them unique and special.
“When my husband Damian and I moved to Singapore 14 years ago, it was the start of a thrilling adventure. I was a ‘trailing spouse’, but with a background in advertising and marketing, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, I was excited about future job possibilities. Our daughter, Ivy, was three years old, but I was not intending to be a stay-at-home mum. I planned to work.
Kavitha Manokaran is a Senior Clinical Psychologist at International Medical Clinic (IMC). She specialises in therapy/counselling and psychological assessments for children and adolescents. Kavitha Manokaran provides ADHD Assessments for children between 7– 17 years old. 